Iran Strikes Reveal Inequality and Puerto Rico's Hurricane Crisis joins the Congressional Budget Battle
How does Puerto Rico's territorial status affect hurricane preparedness, military service, and Congressional representation during critical national moments? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, hosts George Laws Garcia and Martin Rivera examine the 2025 hurricane season preparations, recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran, and what these events reveal about Puerto Rico's unequal status.They discuss the ongoing Congressional budget reconciliation process, threats to Puerto Rico's Opportunity Zone designations, and how territorial inequality impacts disaster response and military representation. The hosts also cover the UN Committee on Decolonization hearings and analyze the surprising NYC mayoral primary results that highlight Puerto Rican voting power stateside.In this episode:2025 hurricane season predictions and Puerto Rico's preparedness challengesHow territorial status affects disaster response and federal representationU.S. airstrikes in Iran and Puerto Rican military service without voting rightsCongressional budget reconciliation updates affecting Puerto RicoOpportunity Zones under threat in tax legislationUN Decolonization Committee: Annual theater or meaningful action?NYC mayoral primary upset and Puerto Rican voter influenceAOC's endorsement strategy and implications for statehood advocacy
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st Produced by Caandor Labs.
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Puerto Rico’s Political Gridlock | Budget Reconciliation, The Jones Act & Puerto Rico’s Future
Why does Congress’s budget reconciliation bill matter for Puerto Rico’s health, economy and push for statehood? In this episode of the Mano a Mano Podcast, hosts George Laws Garcia and Martín Rivera of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council unpack how the 2025 reconciliation package could reshape Medicaid and nutritional assistance and other federal funding amid the expected nationwide federal funding cuts. They also discuss proposed tax incentives to increase local manufacturing, recent remarks from Puerto Rico’s Governor and Resident Commissioner on territorial status, Congressman Pablo José Hernández’s reluctance to recognize island voters’ desire for statehood (and his party-refounding plans), the truth about the Jones Act’s impact on shipping costs and food security, and why the Trump Administration might want to speak up about Puerto Rico’s path to statehood.In this episode:What healthcare and nutrition funding changes are on the table?Which tax incentives could attract new manufacturers?Why are Puerto Rico’s top elected leaders saying about political status?What is the debate on the Jones Act’s impact on Puerto Rico?Timestamps:00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview00:45 Budget Reconciliation Basics for Puerto Rico04:10 Impact on Healthcare & Nutrition Programs07:50 Tax Incentives & Manufacturing Proposals12:15 Political Status Debate: Governor & Resident Commissioner16:30 Congressman Hernández & Party Refoundation23:53 Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered24:19 What is the Jones Act’s impact on Puerto Rico?30:03 Trump Administration’s Statehood Signals28:50 Personal Reflections & Next Steps🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep-dives into Puerto Rico’s political and economic landscape.#PuertoRico #BudgetReconciliation #JonesAct #HealthcareReform #Statehood #ManoAManoPodcast
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st Produced by Caandor Labs.
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Episode 15 | Taxes and Tariffs | Simon Carlo Valentín on Puerto Rico Federal & Local Tax Policy
Why are Puerto Rico’s tax laws so misunderstood? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, host George is joined by Simón Carlo Valentín - tax attorney and CPA - to break down the complexities of Puerto Rico’s tax system.They explore the truth about federal taxes in Puerto Rico, the impact of recent U.S. and local tax reforms, and how these policies shape the island’s economy and its push for statehood. Simon shares expert insights on tariffs, tax code misconceptions, and what fiscal policy changes may be needed for Puerto Rico to fully integrate with the United States.In this episode:Do Puerto Ricans pay federal taxes?How U.S. tariffs affect the islandLocal tax reform and economic developmentMyths vs. facts on Puerto Rico’s tax systemTax implications of Puerto Rico statehoodTimestamps:06:49 Federal Payroll Taxes and Inequities10:23 Puerto Rico's Contributions to Federal Taxes16:17 Impact of Tariffs on Puerto Rico20:55 Federal Tax Policy and Manufacturing Incentives25:05 Impact of Hurricane Maria on US Medical Supply Chain25:30 Proposed Manufacturing Redundancy Plan for National Security27:06 Economic Incentives and Tax Policies in Puerto Rico28:16 Disparities in Compensation and Intellectual Property Issues34:52 Local Tax Reform Efforts in Puerto Rico40:17 Act 60 and Its Implications for Statehood44:15 Vision for Puerto Rico's Statehood and Federal Tax Integration47:02 Community Engagement and Political Advocacy49:36 Conclusion and Call to Action🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Puerto Rico’s political and economic future.#PuertoRico #Taxes #PuertoRicoStatehood #SimonCarloValentin #TaxPolicy #ManoaManoPodcast #PuertoRicoEconomy #FederalTaxes
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st Produced by Caandor Labs.
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Episode 14 | Puerto Rico’s Political Pulse: Statehood Advocacy Efforts and Political Dynamics
In this episode, George and Martín discuss the celebration of Florida’s Puerto Rico Day at the Capitol, emphasizing bipartisan support for Puerto Rican issues within the Florida House of Representatives. They also talk about their advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. to advance Puerto Rico's statehood status at the recent Puerto Rico Equality and Statehood Summit.The conversation highlights the contrasting views within Puerto Rican political figures on the island's status issue, notably focusing on the actions of resident commissioner Pablo José Hernandez. In addition, the episode touches on rumors about the Trump administration considering an executive order to impose independence on Puerto Rico and debunks misinformation around it. The discussion also honors the memories of Raul Grijalva, former chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Lincoln Diaz-Balart, former U.S. Representative, recognizing their contributions to Puerto Rican statehood and equality. Join us to understand the political dynamics and ongoing efforts to resolve Puerto Rico's status.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks02:42 Celebrating Puerto Rican Advocacy07:06 Bipartisan Support in Florida09:40 Controversies and Challenges14:35 Rumors and Misinformation22:21 Honoring Champions of Equality30:24 Conclusion and Call to Action
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st Produced by Caandor Labs.
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Episode 13 | Citizen Advocates in Focus: From Cross-Territorial Coalitions to Whole of Government Approach
In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, George Laws Garcia and Martin Rivera discuss a recent visit to Puerto Rico for the Right to Democracy Summit on U.S. Colonialism, where a cross-territorial coalition worked towards ending the unjust treatment of U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals in all of America's territories. Their discussion also highlights the upcoming Puerto Rico Equality and Statehood Summit in Washington D.C. hosted by the Government of Puerto Rico, and how citizen advocates are shaping the future of the movement to end the injustices of territorial colonialism and advance full equality and democracy through statehood. The episode wraps up with answers to listeners' questions about issues ranging from sovereignty to gentrification in Puerto Rico.Tune in for an in-depth analysis of cultural, political, and social factors affecting the Puerto Rico’s statehood movement.00:45 Recent Visit to Puerto Rico and Cross Territorial Coalition02:11 Cultural Differences and Common Goals05:43 Territorial Status and Self-Determination16:15 Upcoming Puerto Rico Equality and Statehood Summit21:32 Mailbag: Answering Audience Questions29:26 Conclusion and Call to Action
Watch episodes of Mano a Mano on YouTube @PuertoRico51st.Interested in learning more about the statehood movement? Visit our Website: https://www.pr51st.comSign-up for Email Updates: http://www.pr51st.com/take-action/sign-up/Follow us on: Facebook - @PR51stTwitter - @PuertoRico51stInstagram - @PR51st Produced by Caandor Labs.
About Mano a Mano: U.S. & Puerto Rico, Journey Toward A More Perfect Union
Welcome to Mano a Mano, a podcast amplifying the voices of leaders, thinkers, activists, and allies from across the political spectrum who support Puerto Rico’s fight for full democracy and self-determination. Join co-hosts George Laws-García and Martin Rivera as they dive into current events through the lens of U.S.-Puerto Rico relations and reveal how the Caribbean island’s political status can serve as a powerful vantage point for understanding some of the most fundamental questions facing America today.
Each month, Martin and George interview key voices to bridge divides, offer in-depth analysis, and foster understanding while collectively working to build a more perfect Union - both for the U.S. Citizens of Puerto Rico and everyone who still believes in the fundamental American values of democracy, equal rights, and government by consent of the governed.
Listen to Mano a Mano: U.S. & Puerto Rico, Journey Toward A More Perfect Union, The DSR Network and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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